A-Rod Auto Collision provides a wide range of auto body repair services at its San Jose facility. The family-owned and operated company has the training and equipment to handle everything from dent removals to frame straightening, and it also offers…
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Anchor Auto Body has been fixing cars of all makes and models at its Sunnyvale facility since 1979. The company handles all aspects of auto body repair, from repairing small dents to completely restoring vehicles that have been involved in…
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Campbell Collision Center, Inc. returns Santa Clara County drivers’ vehicles to their pre-accident conditions. With its 2002 acquisition of Bob’s Towing, the company has become a one-stop destination for auto body repair and towing services. It repairs cars of all…
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B2 Perfection Auto Body provides a wide range of body and collision repair services for all types of vehicles at its Sunnyvale facility, including alignment and suspension repairs, frame straightening, painting and detailing, and more. For the convenience of its…
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Diamond certified companies are top rated and guaranteed

How To Choose

High-Quality Auto Body Repair Shops Get You Back on the Road Fast

Nobody expects to have a car accident. They’re certainly stressful enough without having to worry about finding an auto collision repair shop you can trust. But whether your vehicle has just suffered a fender-bender or has been totaled, you need just that—a good Santa Clara County auto body repair shop that will make your truck, mini-van or car look like new again and restore it to pre-accident condition.

There are many local car collision shops to choose from, including auto body shops in the Santa Clara Valley that serve the major cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Milpitas, as well as all the smaller towns and throughout Silicon Valley. For most of us, choosing an auto collision repair shop is a mystery. It’s obvious when the scrapes and dents are gone and the auto paint is new, but how do you find an auto body shop that will do it right? One you can trust to straighten the frame, install a new windshield and repaint your car—and everything in between?

Information is the key. It will give you the confidence you need to make an informed decision. But where should you begin, in the sea of auto body repair shops in the South Bay?

Why You Can Trust Diamond Certified Auto Body Shops in Santa Clara County
Only the best auto body shops have earned the Diamond Certified award by scoring Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise in the most rigorous and accurate ratings process anywhere. Most companies can’t pass this test. And you don’t have to worry about being fooled by fake reviews, since all research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed.

American Ratings Corporation interviews thousands of local auto collision center customers in live telephone calls as part of the Diamond Certified process. Only auto body shops that score Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise (90+ on a scale of 100) and pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, mediocre and poorly performing companies are cut out. If you want quality, you’ll have confidence choosing Diamond Certified companies. And your auto collision repairs are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee.

Know Your Rights When Selecting a Local Auto Body Shop
Whether the car accident was your fault or not, you have the right to choose which auto body repair shop repairs your auto crash damages. Sure, your insurance company may recommend repair shops. But the final decision is always yours.

Most insurance companies have agreements with collision repair facilities. They often give clients a list of these shops, known as direct repair programs (DRP), to choose from. While this may seem like a handy alternative to researching and choosing a shop on your own, this is one time where information is key. Why? Insurance companies often enforce strict limits on DRP shop repairs that cause the shops to cut corners, including in the quality of the replacement auto body parts and the amount of time the shop spends on the repairs. And that means you can end up getting an inferior repair job.

Remember, it’s vital that you choose a qualified automotive body repair shop for collision repairs for your car, truck or mini-van. This avoids conflict and can preserve the value of your vehicle. Incorrect body damage repairs are often not reversible. Even if another shop can repair the damage the wrong body shop has done, you’ll probably have to pay for additional body repairs out-of-pocket since car insurance companies rarely pay for the same repairs twice.

Additional Research on Auto Collision Centers in Santa Clara County
You’re probably in a hurry to have your collision damage repaired at one of the car body shops in Santa Clara County that serve major cities like San Jose, Milpitas, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and all the smaller towns in and around Silicon Valley. However, it’s in your best interest to slow down and research some local auto body shops to find the one that will best serve your needs and repair your vehicle right the first time.

It’s usually best to choose a Diamond Certified company because of their Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise rating. But that may not always be possible. If you’re unable to choose a Diamond Certified company, you can improve your chances of finding a decent auto body shop by looking up their shop on the California Bureau of Auto Repair website. You’ll find a list of auto body shops that are licensed with the state. While this license verification website doesn’t containing any customer satisfaction research, you will be able to see if the auto body shop’s license has been revoked and review any complaints that have been filed with the state.

Auto body repair shops in the larger cities including San Jose, Milpitas, Mountain View, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale with certified auto collision repair technicians on staff tend to have more training and up-to-date knowledge of the newer car body repair methods. There are even green auto body shops in Santa Clara County. These collision repair garages have earned certifications and completed courses on environmentally responsible collision repair and vehicle painting services. If these qualifications are important to you, make sure to ask the auto body shops for a list of industry recognition and credentials.

Filing insurance claims after an auto accident can be a hassle. That’s why many auto body shops offer to handle the paperwork for you. They have experience dealing with insurance companies and know the legal do’s and don’ts for writing insurance claims. Having your shop complete the paperwork can be a valuable timesaver, so ask the auto body shops you’re interviewing if this is a service they offer.

Replacement Auto Body Parts and Insurance Requirements at Auto Body Shops
Another factor to consider when researching car body repair and paint shops is the quality of replacement body parts and auto paints each shop uses. Just as it’s your right to choose which collision repair shop to go to for your auto body repairs, you’re usually entitled to request the quality parts that are used. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto body parts are manufactured to repair your car exactly and, since they’re often the highest quality parts, may last longer than aftermarket parts. Refurbished and salvaged auto body parts rarely come with warranties since they have been previously used, so their safety and lifespan cannot be guaranteed.

If you did not cause the accident, immediately tell the car body shops that you want OEM body parts. In cases where the collision was your fault, your insurance agreement may require the use of aftermarket parts, refurbished (repaired) auto parts or salvage auto body parts. However, you may find that it’s worth it to pay the cost difference between aftermarket parts and OEM parts in order to get better quality auto body parts for your repairs.

If you live in Silicon Valley or in the smaller cities of Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Alviso, Blossom Valley, San Martin or Monte Sereno, your insurance company may want you to bring your wrecked car, truck or minivan into a local auto body collision shop for an auto body repair estimate. Luckily, most car body shops in larger cities can tow in wrecked and totaled vehicles, so they can provide auto body repairs for clients living in any part of Santa Clara County. For example, auto body repair shops in the San Jose area can also serve the smaller cities of Coyote, East Palo Alto, Permanente, Holy City, Los Altos Hills, New Almaden and Redwood Estates.

A freshly painted car inside a state-of-the-art auto painting booth in a Diamond Certified body shop. You'll feel confident choosing an auto body shop listed above because each has been rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise and has earned Diamond Certified. For additional information on choosing and working with good body shops in Santa Clara County, read the following articles.

SAN JOSE — You are the customer. If your goal is to choose an auto body shop that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified auto body repair shop. Each has been rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top rated auto body collision center and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified Resource eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Tristin Wurzbach is general manager of B2 Perfection Auto Body, a Diamond Certified company since 2011. He can be reached at (408) 800-1693 or by email.

Tristin Wurzbach

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Tristin Wurzbach: A Positive Transition

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SUNNYVALE — Tristin Wurzbach began his professional career working in auto insurance, but he ultimately found greater fulfillment in the auto body field. “Following college, I got a job with GEICO as a claims adjuster, where I learned about estimating, collision damage and other aspects related to auto body,” he explains. “However, as time went on, I became less enthusiastic about the work environment at GEICO. Fortunately, I found an opportunity to get out of the insurance side of things and go to work for an auto body shop, which was much more to my liking.”

Today, as general manager of B2 Perfection Auto Body, Tristin explains why he prefers his current livelihood to his prior career in auto insurance. “The difference between auto body and auto insurance is basically one of positive versus negative. Since the insurance company’s motivation is to spend as little money as possible, their default is to say ‘no’ whenever possible. In contrast, an auto body shop’s goal is to help customers get everything covered, which is why they’re more about saying ‘yes.’ Consequently, auto body provides a more positive work environment, so it has been a really good transition for me.”

A resident of Newark (where he lives with his wife, Amy, and their daughter), Tristin expresses his appreciation for life in the Bay Area. “The best thing about living here is all the opportunity. There’s so much to do, from outdoor activities to different types of food and entertainment. There’s a reason it’s such a hot spot for people to visit and relocate.”

Outside of work, Tristin likes taking advantage of all the opportunities the Bay Area has to offer. “I’m an avid skier and enjoy hitting the slopes at Tahoe with my friends and co-workers,” he says. “During the summer, I like going to the beach and wine tasting in Napa. Other than that, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking my dogs on walks and playing video games.”

In his life and career, Tristin believes in the value of over-performing. “I believe that if you continually outperform your pay, one day, your pay will outperform you,” he says. “In work, this means going above and beyond your job description and pay grade—one day that will reward you. It’s the same with your personal life. My wife and I recently had a baby, and I help as much as I can because I believe it’ll reward our relationship, resulting in a stronger bond and a better marriage.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tristin says he’d start small. “I would probably take a week off just to relax and regenerate. After that, I’d probably do some light traveling—maybe spend some time in Napa and other somewhat local areas. Eventually, I’d like to go to Europe and other parts of the world, but I think I’d build up to that by doing some smaller stuff first.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: Rock and hip-hop.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Ip Man.” It’s based on the life of the martial arts master who trained Bruce Lee.

Preventing Auto Paint Damage

by Tristin Wurzbach, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SUNNYVALE — An often-overlooked cause of auto paint damage is natural elements like bird droppings and tree sap. If not cleaned off promptly, these corrosive elements can leave permanent marks, especially during summer, when high temperatures can cause them to bake… Read more

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Video: Preventing Auto Paint Damage

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SUNNYVALE — Host, Sarah Rutan: To avoid permanent damage to your vehicle’s paint, you’ll need to be proactive about cleaning off elements like tree sap and bird…
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Pete Hurwicz

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Pete Hurwicz: From Dealership to Ownership

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SUNNYVALE — While many automotive professionals start out by working for a family-owned or independent business, Pete Hurwicz received a more formal industry education…but not before working his way up from the ground level. “While in college, I got a summer job parking cars at a local dealership,” he explains. “Over time, I gradually moved up through the ranks, learning about new aspects of the industry as I went. After 12 years working for multiple dealerships, I had been everything from a warranty clerk to an assistant service manager. Finally, I became a body shop manager, which is how I ended up in this field.”

Today, 30 years after founding Silicon Valley Auto Body & Tow, Pete credits much of his company’s success to the comprehensive instruction he received in the dealership setting. “From the hands-on work to the business and customer service side, working for various dealerships allowed me to develop a well-rounded set of skills, which ultimately gave me the confidence to step up and open my own shop.”

Originally from Boston, Pete moved to Los Angeles as a teenager before later relocating to the Bay Area, where he currently resides with his wife, Linda. Between working in Sunnyvale and living in Morgan Hill, Pete says he enjoys the best of both worlds. “I appreciate Sunnyvale for its business climate, whereas the Morgan Hill area is still somewhat rural, so you get more of a country feel. The only issue is having to commute between the two!”

Outside of work, Pete enjoys a variety of hobbies, from riding his Harley-Davidson to attending sporting events. “I’m a season ticket holder for the San Francisco Giants and the San Jose Sharks, and I recently became a 49ers season ticket holder as well, so you might say I’m somewhat of a sports fan,” he laughs. In addition to his active interests, Pete enjoys simple things like working in his yard and hanging out with his French Bulldog, Louie.

In his life and career, Pete lives by a quote passed down from his father. “My dad used to say, ‘Be big in little ways,’ which is something I apply daily in my professional life,” he says. “When it comes to long-term customer satisfaction, it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. You don’t always have to be a hero, you just have to take care of your customers’ needs, and that’s what I always strive to do.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Pete says he would set sail for an extended trip. “I have a fantasy of getting on a sailboat and sailing around the world. However, given my age and lack of qualifications, that’s probably not going to happen, so instead I’d do the next best thing and go on a cruise!”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the best movie of all time?
A: The Godfather.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Chips and salsa.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I was a wrestler.

Q: What was your first concert?
A: When I was in high school, I saw Jimi Hendrix play at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Auto Insurance Claims: To File or Not to File?

by Pete Hurwicz, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SUNNYVALE — Following a car accident, vehicle owners often fear that their insurance rates will go up if they file a claim. While this may or may not be the case for your accident, there are several factors to consider… Read more

Tom Trago is a 38-year veteran of the automotive industry and owner of Anchor Auto Body, a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (408) 782-4949 or by email.

Tom Trago

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Tom Trago: Anchor Aweigh

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SUNNYVALE — Like many automotive professionals, Tom Trago’s relationship with cars began with an early interest and gradually grew into something bigger. “Cars have always been a part of my life,” he affirms. “I started taking auto mechanic classes in high school, worked part-time doing detail work through college and eventually made the decision to pursue it as a full-time job.”

About 20 years into his career, Tom had an opportunity to take things to the next level by advancing from employee to owner. “Over the years, I’d managed a couple of shops with the hope of earning a stake in the business, but nothing ever panned out,” he recounts. “Within two years of being at Anchor Auto Body, the owner asked if I’d be interested in taking over after he retired, and I said yes.”

After 11 years as owner of Anchor Auto Body, Tom has no regrets about his decision. “It’s definitely been a challenge, but I like challenges. Plus, I’m very passionate about what I do. I get a lot of satisfaction from putting smiles on our customers’ faces after they see what we’ve been able to achieve with their vehicles.”

A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife and business partner, Betsy), Tom says he appreciates the variety of opportunities to be found in the Bay Area. “Besides an endless number of things to see and do, there’s an incredible wealth of resources and opportunities for local businesses to grow and prosper.”

With two grown children and two young grandchildren, much of Tom’s time outside of work is devoted to family. He also likes to stay in shape, whether by working out at the gym or hiking and biking on local nature trails. When he’s not being physically active, he enjoys cultivating his creative side by reading books and watching movies.

In regard to his career, Tom espouses the importance of continuous improvement. “We’re always trying to improve upon what we’re doing, whether it’s revamping our employee training or purchasing new equipment,” he explains. “By continually reviewing and rethinking our standard operating procedures, we’re able to stay ahead of the curve and keep the quality high for our customers.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Tom says he’d take time to get a little perspective before deciding what to do next. “The first thing I’d do is just take a couple days to reflect. After that, I’d move on to the next thing, whatever that may be. I’d probably pick up a new hobby or two, just to keep myself busy.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1964 Volkswagen Beetle.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas—I like getting together with family, catching up and having a good time.

How to Polish Out a Minor Scratch on Your Car

by Tom Trago, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SUNNYVALE — If your car’s exterior gets scratched, you may think the only solution is to repaint the area. However, when it comes to minor surface scratches, most can simply be polished out. An easy way to determine if a… Read more

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Video: How to Polish Out a Scratch on Your Car

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SUNNYVALE — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you've got an unsightly scratch on your car, getting rid of it may be easier than you think. Today we’re…
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Alex Rodriguez is owner of A-Rod Auto Collision, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 622-0473 or by email.

Alex Rodriguez

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Alex Rodriguez: A Family Operation

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — For years, Alex Rodriguez and his family had talked about starting an automotive business. Finally, by aligning their skills and resources, they successfully followed through with their dream. “I come from a big family, and we’ve always worked on each other’s cars,” explains Alex. “A few of my relatives have professional auto body experience and we’d often talk about starting our own business. After working for 34 years as a construction equipment operator, I was getting ready to retire and I had the money to purchase a business, so we all decided it was time to make it happen.”

Since founding A-Rod Auto Collision in San Jose in 2016, Alex says the shop continues to be a family operation. “We have everyone in the family here, including my wife, my brother-in-law and some cousins. My son and my nephew are also involved, learning about the business and growing their knowledge and skills.”

When asked how he likes to spend his free time, Alex replies that he’s usually working. “People think I’m crazy because of how much I work. Even on Sundays, I’ll get up and come into the shop to clean and catch up on things.” However, Alex says he does enjoy spending time with his family outside of the shop. “We get together for parties and holidays, and sometimes for no reason at all. As a matter of fact, I was doing some barbecuing the other night, and before long we had 20 people at the house!”

When asked about a professional philosophy, Alex says he’s all about being available for his customers. “About six years ago, I was in a collision, so I took my truck to a local body shop. I went in and approached the estimator, but he didn’t have time to talk to me. Neither did the manager or the owner. It was a pretty lousy experience. Later, as I was preparing to start my business, I told myself that we would always be available for our customers. That’s the way I want our shop to be—I want customers to feel like they can approach us and get taken care of. Whatever their needs or concerns, we will make time for them.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Alex simply replies that he wouldn’t. “Everyone I know who retires goes downhill pretty quickly. You’ve been active all your life and then you sit there, and before too long you’re gone. So, I don’t have any plans to retire at the moment. I don’t want to get too comfortable; I want to stay active. Plus, I enjoy what I do, so why would I stop?”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first car?
A: A Volkswagen Beetle.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird. I get up at 4am every day, even on the weekend.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person. I’ve had dogs all my life.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: New Year’s Eve. We get the family together and have a little fiesta.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Classic cars. I have a ’57 Chevy Nova, a ’44 Dodge pickup truck and a ’38 Oldsmobile, to name a few.

How to Assess a Scratch on Your Vehicle

By Alex Rodriguez of {BR} A-Rod Auto Collision

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SAN JOSE — If there’s a scratch on your vehicle’s body, you may assume the area will need to be repainted. However, this may not be the case. Vehicle body scratches often look similar, but their impact can vary substantially depending on… Read more

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Video: Assessing a Scratch on Your Vehicle

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Complete Video Transcription:

SAN JOSE — Host, Sarah Rutan: If there’s a scratch on your vehicle’s body, you may assume it needs to be repainted. However, this may not be the…
Read more

Know What You Want

Determine What You Want from Santa Clara County Body Shops

Before you call local body shops, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in body repairs. Some vehicle owners have found that it helps to write down goals and keep a list of questions and expectations. This way, they can present the same clear case to all the car body repair shops they interview.

Do I want a Diamond Certified company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Guarantee?

What characteristics do I want in a car body shop? This can include communication skills, quick turn-around time for car body repairs, warranty coverage, follow-up service and long-term results in the appearance and drivability of your vehicle.

What To Ask In Person

What to Ask When You Bring in Your Car for Body Repairs

Use your list of questions you asked on the phone and your list of your personal requirements for a body shop to interview the shop owner or service writer in person before you leave your vehicle for repairs. Confirm the details you covered on the phone and ask a few final questions before signing an estimate and turning over your car, truck or van.

Here are a few questions that will get you started:

How long will the car collision repairs take?

Do you coordinate with other auto body shops in the Santa Clara Valley if you can’t complete all of the collision repairs yourself? Does that affect any warranties?

What contact information do you have for me and what do you need in order to reach me with updates about my car’s body repairs?

What To Ask References

Learn from Other Auto Body Shop Customers

All Diamond Certified auto body collision shops have undergone a ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from a shop, you’ll have confidence when choosing Diamond Certified companies. You can read Diamond Certified reports on all certified companies, including verbatim survey responses. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews because all research is performed by live telephone interviews of a large, random sample of real customers.

If you can’t find a Diamond Certified vehicle collision shop within reach, you’ll need to conduct some research of your own. If you do, auto body shops in Santa Clara County should be willing to give you a list of recent customers you can call. Keep in mind, though, that references provided by the car body repair shops are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references are “cherry-picked,” not randomly selected from all customers, so shops are likely just giving you a few satisfied customers to call.

If your do call references, specifically ask for a list of their 10 most recent customers (to help avoid them giving you only customers they know were satisfied) and call those references. Ask general questions about their experience with the shop’s personnel as well as specific questions about the car body repairs. Sample questions you may want to ask are:

Were you satisfied with the performance of _(collision shop name)_?

What type of car body repairs or auto paint services did they do for you?

Were you pleased with the turn-around time?

If you live in a smaller town such as Stanford, San Martin, Coyote, Holy City, Monte Vista or in Silicon Valley, was your auto body shop willing to tow your car or truck to their collision repair garage?

Did they work with you to get the auto body repairs done exactly as you wanted them?

Were you happy with the communication from this Santa Clara County auto body shop?

Do you feel the price was fair for the auto collision repairs?

Did the auto body shop help you deal with your insurance company?

Did they provide a loaner car or shuttle service while your car was being repaired?

Would you go back to this body shop again if your car, truck or van were in a crash?

Review Your Options

Locate and Hire Qualified Auto Body Repair Shops

The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.

By now you’re probably aware that your choice of an auto body repair shop determines how the repair process will go and the value of your vehicle after the repairs. And since vehicles are often our second largest expense after our homes, it’s not a decision to take lightly.
Review the notes you’ve taken from your interviews with auto body shops and collision repair customers to determine if one stands out. Pay special attention to these questions:

Does one of the local body shops stand out from the rest in their ability to satisfy your requirements for scheduling, car body repairs and part choices?

Is the shop you’ve found willing to provide the best outcome for you while working with your insurance company?

Does the staff at the auto body shop communicate clearly and effectively?

Is the auto body shop as committed to getting your car back to pre-accident condition as you are?

How To Work With

How to Get Honest Collision Repair Estimates in Santa Clara County

Once you’ve found the shop that meets all your requirements, there are a few things you can do to get accurate estimates.

Talk with the service writer about the necessary repairs. The end result you and your shop should both want is for your car to look and function like it did before the accident. The service writer or shop owner should show and tell you the steps and materials it will take to get your car back on the road safely. While your insurance company may have some say in the cost and extent of the repairs, you should never have to compromise on safety.

When you, your collision repair facility and your car insurance company agree on the needed repairs, the shop should provide you with a written estimate outlining the necessary repairs before the work begins. By law, this estimate must include the total estimated cost for all needed car parts and labor, an itemized list of required parts, and whether the parts used are new or used. Confirm warranty coverage at this time, as some auto body shops in Santa Clara only guarantee certain auto body parts or auto paint brands.

Your agreement with the shop is final when you sign the estimate or auto body work order. Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. The collision shop must get your approval before making any changes to the work orders and estimates, so be sure to give the auto body technicians a phone number where they can reach you at all times. Return their calls promptly to help keep your repairs on schedule.

Be a Good Customer

Ways YOU Can Be a Good Auto Body Shop Customer

Good auto body shops will make thorough and complete repairs on your car. You play a big part in the success of your automobile’s repair, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good client when your van, minivan, truck or car is in the shop for collision repairs:

Be clear and upfront with the auto body repair shop representative. Let them know what outcome you’re expecting from the vehicle collision repairs and any specific service expectations.

Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!

Before you leave your van, truck or car at an auto body shop, restate your expectations and goals. Reiterate your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with auto repair shops occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Be sure to give your service writer a phone number where you can be reached at all times. Your vehicle body repairs will move along more smoothly if your service writer can call you for updates or authorizations for additional body repair work.

Why would you want to be a good customer? Auto body repair shops appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems more easily resolved.

Once you have the written invoice, take a few minutes to compare it to the work that was done. Ask your body repair specialist to show you the repairs and check each one against the invoice. The service manager should talk you through the list of repairs and give you any special instructions that will help you maintain the collision repairs or new auto body paint. If you have questions about the work that was done, ask before you pay for the body repairs or leave the shop.

Written Warranties

Ask the Auto Collision Repair Shop for Written Warranties

Before you leave the auto body shop, confirm any warranties. Not all auto body repair shops in back up their work with warranties. But if the shop you’ve chosen does guarantee their work, they should give you a written warranty, including:

The shop’s name and physical address.

The terms and limitations of the warranties. This includes details about whether the shop will replace or repair faulty auto body parts or give you a refund if there is a warranty claim. Any exclusions must be in writing and accompany the original warranty.

What your responsibility is if you need to redeem your warranty for vehicle body repairs (such as whether you have to pay labor costs, allow the installation of refurbished or used parts or pay a prorated amount for the time between the repair and the warranty claim).

Whether the auto body repair warranty covers the new owner if you sell your vehicle.

Auto Collision Repair
This type of auto body repair restores vehicles after collisions and auto crashes. Usually, auto collision repairs include frame straightening, auto body work and automotive painting to cover dents, scratches, dings and crumpled auto body exteriors.
Vehicle Dent Repair
Whether dents result from a fender-bender or a minor collision, car dents on doors and side panels can be ugly and a source of embarrassment. Auto body repair shops can easily pull dents and make your car, truck, van or minivan look as good as new. Automobile dent repair may require vehicle repainting depending on the severity of the damage.
Automotive Painting Services
Many auto body shops provide automotive painting to cover collision damage repairs and restore the appearance of cars, trucks, vans and minivans. You can change the way your vehicle looks by repainting it a fresh new color or spot painting areas that have visible dents, scratches, chips and car paint dings.
Auto Paint Repair
Automotive painting facilities offer paint matching, auto paint chip and scratch repair, vehicle paint touch-ups and spot painting. Auto paint repair is best used to cover minor auto paint scratches, chips and flaking. Major auto body damage from an auto wreck or car accident is best repaired by hiring a shop to do automotive paint restoration to larger areas of your truck, van or car rather than simple auto paint repairs.
Bumper Repair / Bumper Replacement
A common request for auto body repair shops is bumper repair to fix bumper dents, fender-benders, and bumper tears and scrapes. Bumper repair usually includes dent removal and repainting. Bumper replacement includes removing and replacing an entire bumper that’s been too badly damaged in a car crash for bumper repairs.
Mobile Auto Body Repairs
Mobile auto body companies bring the body shop to you. These mobile shops are at times more convenient than traditional auto collision centers. Mobile auto body repair shops provide minor body repairs, dent removal and mobile paint repair services at your home or place of work. Some mobile body repair shops offer same-day service for your car, minivan, truck or van and will cooperate with your insurance company.
Custom Auto Body Work
Auto body customization is available for new vehicles (usually through the installation of custom body kits) and vintage vehicles and classic cars (known as auto body restoration). Custom auto body work may take the form of chop jobs (modifying the original frame or body of your car, truck or van) or customized auto paint that takes your vehicle beyond stock auto paint colors. Many auto body repair shops in the Santa Clara Valley offer custom auto body services that go beyond the average collision repairs.
Auto Upholstery Repair
Auto upholstery repairs are a popular way to improve the comfort and appearance of cars, trucks and minivans, and enhance their trade-in and resale value. Car body repair shops that offer auto upholstery repairs are knowledgeable about different materials that change the comfort and appearance of your vehicle’s interior.
Vehicle Frame Straightening & Auto Frame Repair
Vehicle frames bent in collisions and car accidents require straightening because they’re much more serious than the average dent, scratch or sideswipe. Cars with bent, damaged or twisted frames shouldn’t be driven because bent vehicle frames can cause uneven wear on your car or truck and make it vulnerable in an accident. Many licensed auto body repair shops have the equipment and expertise to straighten vehicle frames after a collision or car accident.

Glossary Of Terms

Glossary of Auto Collision and Body Repair Terms

Below are terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your auto’s repair from beginning to end.

aftermarket car body parts
Auto body repair parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made to fit and function the same as the original car parts, and they’re often less expensive than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) auto body parts. Some aftermarket auto body parts have been redesigned to increase the performance of your car, truck, van or minivan.

auto body repair shop
An automotive repair shop that specializes in repairing the body, or outside, of vehicles. Auto body repair shops restore vehicles damaged in automobile accidents and those that have sustained damage to their exteriors due to vandalism, weather and corrosion.

bumper repair
Auto bumpers are among the most important safety features of your vehicle. Bumpers are located on the front and back of all cars, trucks and mini vans, and they are designed to absorb the shock of a collision or car accident. Some bumpers are designed with crumple zones that flex and bend during a collision to provide better car accident protection. Bumper repair and replacement are common because of the frequency of major and minor car accidents that cause damage to the front and rear bumpers.

chipping
Auto paint is said to chip when stones and other debris cause the colored paint finish to break off in small pieces. Auto body paint shops can buff out and refill chipped areas with matching paint to make the damage invisible.

clear coat
Clear coat is the top layer of auto paint applied to add shine and protect the colored basecoat. A clear coat does not have pigment added to it, so the color of the auto paint basecoat shows through. PROFIX automotive paints, DuPont auto paint, PPG, ICI, BASF vehicle paints and Sherwin-Williams car paints are the more popular clear coat auto paint suppliers.

corrosion
Corrosion happens to the bodies of metal vehicles when the metal is exposed to oxygen and water. Some corrosion appears as rust and causes visible degradation of metal surfaces. Auto paint helps curb corrosion and offers protection against water and oxygen.

dent repair
Auto body shops offer dent repair for trucks, vans, cars and minivans. Auto dent repair is a method of removing car dents by pushing or hammering them out from the underside of the vehicle. Vehicle dent repair is effective for large and small dents, and may or may not require the application of fresh auto paint depending on the severity of the dent and the condition of the paint surrounding it.

direct repair program
DRP insurance programs are usually an agreement between auto body shops and auto insurance companies. These DRP repair shops agree to repair collision damage using a standardized set of rules and procedures including repair techniques, parts and materials used, warranty coverage and billing practices in exchange for the insurance company directing customers to their cooperating direct repair program body shops.

Also known as: DRP, direct repair programs

edge-to-edge repair
Edge-to-edge repair is a complete auto body repair for trucks, cars, minivans and vans. This type of auto body repair requires the removal and replacement or restoration of an entire vehicle panel. This is the opposite of car body touch-up or spot repairs, which are possible for damaged auto body panels and auto paint when only a small area is damaged, chipping or removed.

enamel auto paint
A clear or colored topcoat automobile paint that has a shiny finish is called enamel vehicle paint. Enamel auto paints are available in gloss or semi-gloss finishes. Popular brands of enamel auto paint include those by PPG, DuPont, Maxx 2K and DupliColor.

fender repair
Van, truck and car fenders are the auto body panels located on the sides of the vehicle in front of the doors. Vehicle fenders serve aesthetic and practical functions. Fender-benders are a common, yet minor auto accident that damages the fenders of vehicles as a result of a collision. Some modern cars and trucks are designed with fenders that are easily replaced because fender benders are so common.

gloss
Gloss is the term used to describe how shiny or reflective vehicle paint is. Matte, semi-gloss and glossy are the common levels of reflectivity found in auto body gloss paints.

like kind and quality
Salvaged auto body parts removed from one vehicle and installed on another are often denoted as LKQ on estimates and invoices for auto body repairs. These car body parts rarely come with warranties and are often much less expensive than new auto body parts. LKQ auto parts may be the best option for owners of rare or specialty vehicles that have a hard time finding new auto body parts for their van, car or truck.

masking
Temporarily covering areas of vehicles that are not to be painted with plastic or tape. Masking should be done carefully to avoid overspray and uneven edges. However, most auto body repair shops agree that masking is not a proper substitute for removing parts of the vehicle such as car mirrors and auto door handles that can create gaps in the paint application that cheapen and weaken a new auto paint job.

Original Equipment Manufacturer auto body parts
Auto parts made by vehicle manufacturers including Ford, Chrysler, GM, Toyota, Honda and BMW. While they may cost more than aftermarket auto parts, OEM parts usually fit better, last longer and are covered by more extensive warranties.

primer
The first layer of an auto paint application is called primer. Auto primer is applied to an unpainted surface to protect the body of the vehicle and help the layers of vehicle paint adhere to the surface.

primer-sealer
Primer-sealer is the auto paint undercoat applied to seal underlying layers of paint and adhere the topcoat to the base.

primer-filler
Auto body damage to minivans, trucks, cars and vans is often disguised by primer-filler. It’s a colored material that evenly fills scrapes and gashes and acts as a primer to attract and hold the topcoats of paint to the vehicle body. Primer-filler is most often used on bumpers, car doors and vehicle body panels that have been damaged in car accidents and fender-benders.

salvage auto body parts
Auto parts taken from recycled vehicles are called salvage auto parts. These are often inexpensive auto repair parts, but they usually don’t come with warranties because they haven’t been repaired or altered so their reliability can’t be guaranteed. Salvage auto parts for trucks, cars and minivans are often a last resort for vehicle owners looking for hard-to-find parts for rare or older vehicles. Commonly salvaged auto body parts include car and truck bumpers, vehicle doors, car body panels and car mirrors.

spot repair
Spot repair is possible for damaged auto body panels and auto paint when only a small area is damaged, chipping or removed. Minivan, car and truck spot repair is generally much less expensive than edge-to-edge auto body repair, which requires the removal and replacement or restoration of an entire vehicle panel.

touch-up
A localized auto body paint repair that only covers a small area. Touch up paint jobs usually hide nicks, dings, chips and scratches that occur on car hoods, vehicle doors, bumpers and fenders.

used auto body parts
Auto parts that have been used and rebuilt, refurbished or reinstalled in another vehicle. Some of the most common used auto body parts installed on trucks, cars and mini vans include used car doors, vehicle hoods, auto bumpers, used trunk lids and vehicle hubcaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Auto Body FAQ

The following are frequently asked questions about auto body repair and related issues.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified Auto Body Repair Shop?
A: At a time when you most need assurance of a job well done, Diamond Certified helps you choose an auto body repair shop with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only auto collision repair shops rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with in-depth and ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified auto body shop for your vehicle repair.

Q: Do I have to choose from the shops my insurance provider directs me to, or do I have a choice of where to get my car’s body repaired?
A: While your insurance company can suggest Santa Clara County auto body shops, you have the final decision on where you want to take your vehicle for collision repairs. Your obligation is simply to take your car, truck, van or minivan to the body repair center you prefer and contact your insurance company to let them know where your vehicle is.

Q: Can I decide which collision repair parts are used to repair my vehicle?
A: Auto body shops have a variety of different quality materials and parts they can use to repair vehicles damaged in collisions. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are the most expensive body parts for the shop to use, so many automatically install used parts, refurbished parts or even salvaged parts to cut down costs. But you do have a choice. If you caused the accident, wording in your insurance coverage may require the body shop to install used, remanufactured or salvage auto body parts in your vehicle. However, you may have the option to pay the difference for OEM parts instead. Talk to your car body shop’s service writer and your insurance company about your specific situation. If the accident was not your fault, you can tell your chosen vehicle collision center what quality parts to install. Ask for OEM auto body parts that will restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition in terms of safety and value.
Q: My insurance company wants me to bring my car to their claims center for an appraisal. Do I have to do this?
A: Insurance companies can ask you to bring your vehicle in to their claims center before taking it to an auto body repair garage, but it is not a requirement. You may take it to them for an appraisal if you wish, but you are under no obligation and may leave your car, truck or minivan at your preferred auto body repair center and request that your insurance company inspect it at the shop.

Q: Can my chosen auto body shop help me negotiate with my insurance company?
A: Most car body shops in Santa Clara County are happy to help you navigate confusing insurance claims paperwork. In fact, many will work directly with the insurance company to process your claims, limiting and even avoiding any work on your part. If this is important to you, ask the body shops you’re considering if they offer that service before you drop your vehicle off.

Q: What is an auto body repair deductible?
A: The deductible for auto body repair is a specified amount of money that you are obligated to pay before your insurance company will pay on your collision repair insurance claim. The deductible amount is determined by the terms of the policy that you and your agent decided on when you arranged to insure your car, van, minivan or truck.

Q: Can auto body repair shops save me from having to pay all or part of my deductible?
A: Honest auto body shops will never offer to do this. That’s because all insurance holders have a contractual obligation to pay their deductible before the insurance company pays the rest of the bill on every claim. This cuts down on insurance fraud. Some auto body repair shops do offer to bury the deductible or hide it in the cost of the repairs. However, car body repair shops that do this are committing insurance fraud, which is against the law. And customers who ask their auto body repair shop to hide the deductible or go along with this can also be held liable for insurance fraud. Even if your insurance company doesn’t catch you, asking your mechanic to bury the deductible in the cost of your auto body repairs is a mistake. Often times, auto body collision shops who agree to bury the deductible, will take shortcuts in your vehicle collision repairs, meaning your car or truck will lose value and may not be as safe in an accident. It also stands to reason that a collision center that cheats insurance companies may be willing to cheat customers as well.

Q: Can another body repair shop in Santa Clara County fix bad vehicle repairs?
A: You should be very careful about who you hire to repair your auto body damage. That’s because once body collision repairs are done, they’re often very hard or impossible to reverse. That means that a body shop that does a poor repair job can actually end up causing your vehicle to be unsafe. It’s also important to note that insurance won’t pay for the same repairs twice, so even if you can find a repair shop in Santa Clara County willing and able to undo the shoddy auto body repairs, all costs will most likely come out of your pocket.